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Long-term Variable Photoperiod Disrupts Serotonin Signaling in Prefrontal Cortex and Hippocampus, Contributing to Mood and Cognitive Deficits
Long-term changing day length may disrupt serotonin signals in thinking and memory areas, linked to mood and thinking problems
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Abstract
Long-term variable photoperiod (L-VP) induced anxiety-like behaviors, depressive symptoms, and cognitive impairments in Wistar rats.
- L-VP was associated with anxiety-like behaviors, depressive phenotypes, and cognitive deficits, particularly during the subjective active phase.
- Alterations in serotonin (5-HT) metabolism included reduced levels of 5-HIAA and a lower 5-HIAA/5-HT ratio, indicating impaired serotonin signaling.
- Circadian dysregulation of serotonin receptors was observed, with decreased levels of HTR2A in the prefrontal cortex.
- Findings suggest that chronic circadian misalignment disrupts serotonin signaling in key brain regions related to mood and cognition.
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